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The
Liturgy Of The Word

In the liturgy of
the word Christians come together to thank God for God’s gifts. Listening to
God’s word (the Bible) they grow in faith more conformed to the mind of Christ.
Liturgy celebrates the wonders of creation and gives thanks for the reality of
redemption. The liturgy is a celebration not of what God has said, but of God
today speaking to our hearts and souls.

A).
The First
Reading: -The Hebrew Scriptures: The first reading is mostly chosen from the Old
Testament and during some seasons the Book of Acts might be read. This reading
usually harmonizes with the Gospel reading (see below). This reveals the
continuity between Israel and Jesus who comes not to replace but to fulfill
Israel.

B).
The
Responsorial Psalm: The Psalm reflects themes in the readings. The Psalm
consists of an antiphon. This is a vehicle of prayer and praise - an atmosphere
of prayer within which the readings occur.

C). The Second
Reading - The Christian Scriptures: This reading is also referred to as the
Epistle, is usually from one of the letters in the New Testament which may
also include the Book of Acts or the Book of Revelations. While the letters
address particular situations in the early Church, their message transcends
the centuries to motivate contemporary Christians and deepen our appreciation
of the mystery of Christ.

D).
The Gospel -
Alleluia: “Alleluia” is a Latin echo of the Hebrew acclamation “Praise God!”
and is a key word in Christian worship. Here it heralds the Gospel. In a
solemn celebration the church deacon goes to the altar where the Gospel is
enthroned. He lifts the book and, accompanied by servants (altar-boys) with
candles and on some occasions incense (symbols of Christ’s light), processes
with the Gospels held high while choir and community acclaim the good news
with “Alleluia,” alternating with verses appropriate to today’s Gospel.
Christians acclaim the most wonderful deed of God among humankind, Jesus
Christ, here made visible in the book containing His words and message to us
all.

E).
The Gospel
Reading: The Gospel is the climax of the liturgy of the word. Catholic faith
teaches that in proclaiming the Gospel, Christ is truly present to the
community. For this reason the community stands to witness to Christ’s
resurrection which allows him to be present to his people.

As the deacon or
priest introduce the Gospels all in the community sign themselves with the
sign of the cross traced on the forehead, the lips and over the heart. This
signing reminds us “Christ in my thoughts” <forehead>, “Christ from my lips or
what I say”<lips> and “Christ in my heart” <over the heart>.

Hearing the Gospel
proclaimed also reminds and identifies Catholics with the first community
which heard these words for the mouth of Jesus. On the conclusion of the
reading the minister proclaims, “This is the Gospel of the Lord.” He means not
the book, but the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the “Good News” itself. The
community affirms in faith by responding, “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ”.

F).
The Homily (or
mini-sermon): Christians believe that “faith comes through preaching.”(Romans
3:13-15). This idea is rooted in Jewish belief that the creative power of
God’s word transforms human life.

The Scriptures are
not always easy to understand and apply to present life. For this reason the
homily breaks open the Scriptures, showing how the word of God addresses us
today. What import does the Gospel have for our lives today, for the world we
live in, for issues in the community forum?

G).
The Profession
of Faith: (the Creed): The Creed is a written profession summarizing the
community’s search for an ever deepening understanding of Jesus and His
message. The Nicene-Constantinople Creed is most often used at Mass, although
the Apostles’ Creed may be used at some liturgies. Please note that both
creed’s are used by not only the Catholic Church, but also by Episcopalians,
Presbyterians, Methodists, Lutherans, Orthodox and many other Christian
faiths.

H).
General
Intercessions (Prayers of the Faithful): The people petition God for the needs
of the Church, society, the parish, people in need, the sick and suffering,
and those who have died. They direct our faith which has been deepened through
prayer and listening to God’s word to specific situations today. These prayers
conclude the Liturgy of the Word.

"Amen,
amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his
blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my
blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is
true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood
remains in me and I in him."
John
6:53-56

Jesus Gave Us The Eucharist For All Time The Night
Before He Died

"While they were eating,
Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples
said, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave
it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the
covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. "
Matthew 26:26-28

Today Some Cannot Accept The Gift Just As
It Was In The Time Of Jesus

"'But
there are some of you who do not believe.' Jesus knew from the beginning the
ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, 'For
this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him
by my Father.' As a result of this, many (of) his disciples returned to their
former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve,
'Do you also want to leave?' Simon Peter answered him, 'Master, to whom shall we
go? You have the words of eternal life.'"John
6:64-68

Jesus Explained That Eternal Life
Is Gained Through The Spirit - Not Through The Flesh

Jesus' Flesh And Blood Are Of
Divine Nature (Spirit) And Not Of This World (Flesh)

"It
is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have
spoken to you are spirit and life."
John
6:64-68

It's NOT
Just Bread And Wine - It's NOT Just Crackers And Grape Juice

Jesus
Gave Us The Eucharist To Nourish Us Until He Returns

Come Home To HIS
Church And Accept HIS Holy Flesh And Blood

"Whoever
listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever
rejects me rejects the one who sent me."
Luke 10:16